Elements and Principles of Design

Elements are the things that make up a painting, drawing, design... 

• Line is a dot that goes work a walk. Lines can organize, direct or separate. They can join elements or divide them. They can create shapes, be expressive, suggest an emotion, or create a rhythm. 

• Shape is a self contained defined area of geometric or organic form. The three basic shapes: the circle, the square, and the triangle are considered to be the fundamental shapes found in all design. 

• Color is the part of light that is reflected by the object we see. In 2D we mix pigments to create new colors. Color is defined by hue and value. 

• Value is the lightness or darkness of an area or object. It adds dimension by creating the illusion of depth. 

• Space refers to the distance between elements that creates positive or negative spaces in a composition. 

• Texture is the look and feel of a surface (rough, smooth, soft, hard, glossy, etc) and it can be physical (tactile) or visual (illusion). Texture adds richness and dimension to 2D works 

• Typography is not only to read, letters can be used to create compositions.

Principles is what we do with these elements 

• Balance occurs when all the design elements are equally distributed through the design. There are essentially two types of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. 

• Contrast stresses the visual differences in size, shape, and color between the elements to enhance the perception of a message intended. Contrast also draws and directs the viewer's attention to specific areas. 

• Emphasis indicates the most important element because it attracts the viewer's attention first. 

• Rhythm is a pattern created by repeating elements. Rhythm also denotes the sequence to the viewing order. 

• Scale can attract in different ways. It can be use to draw attention to the unexpected or exaggerated. Overall size, monumental pieces are impact full while miniature has a sense of intimacy. Scale, alone, can change the meaning. 

• Unity is achieved when all the design elements relate to one another and project a sense of completeness. Artist and designers use the Gestalt Theory, the psychological process of perception, to create unity (also called harmony).